February 16, 2026

After Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's remarks on dangerous trends of militarism in Japan at the Munich Security Conference drew applause and wide attention, Japan's Foreign Ministry on Sunday issued a statement and lodged a demarche with the Chinese side. A Chinese expert noted that Japan's reaction to Wang's fact-based remarks appeared to lack restraint and diplomatic decorum. The expert added that speaking out about Japan's rising militarism on the international stage is both necessary and widely resonant with international audiences.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at the "China in the World" session of the 62nd Munich Security Conference, where he delivered a speech and answered questions.

Responding to a question about China's responsibility for the re-escalation of tensions in the Asia-Pacific, Wang said he does not agree that the regional situation is increasingly tense. Looking around the world, only Asia maintains overall peace, Wang noted, adding that even recent local conflicts, such as those on the Cambodia-Thailand border, were quickly quelled through the efforts of all parties, with China playing a role.

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